Search code examples
architectureenergyplus

Has anyone worked with EnergyPlus simulation software?

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/

I am researching about this software at the moment and I am wondering :

  1. How many people actually know how to use this software? Please identify yourself if you do.
  2. How many companies are using this to run energy saving simulations at the moment? Please list any you know.
  3. Is it integrable with a GUI environment? Has anyone have experienced in implementing the integrations?

Any response welcomed. Thanks.

Solution

  • I am a collaborative developer for the EnergyPlus engine through a research project. It is one of the most robust building energy simulation engines built on 30+ years of building science research. Unfortunately it isn't widely adopted due to a lack of a good, free GUI - however, this is changing with two DOE-sponsored GUI Projects:
    http://openstudio.nrel.gov/
    http://openrevit.com/2011/03/the-holy-grail-energyplus-gui-with-bim-integration/

    EnergyPlus is widely used the research field for building energy and will most likely become a player in the building design and operations. Open Studio is an open source project (thus the reason for its name) developed in Ruby.